Written Answers Nos. 117-136
118. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the engagement he has had with other Departments and State agencies to support hotels in rural communities and small towns. [37795/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWithin my department’s Rural Development Investment Programme, there is a range of schemes providing capital funding with a focus on the economic and social development of our rural areas.
As set out in the previous response of 26/03/26, these schemes do not, however, include a specific focus on the provision of hotel accommodation. However, there are a limited number of projects which have been supported by the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme which have seen short stay accommodation included as part of wider multi-functional projects. Similarly, while the LEADER programme does not generally support hotel based projects, it has supported projects related to tourist accommodation for example, through support for glamping projects and other tourism focused initiatives.
More widely, the sustainability of our rural businesses, including the tourism sector, is clearly enhanced by the provision of public and community infrastructure. The funding made available by my department, through the range of schemes such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme is clearly having positive impacts in this regard.
At a cross governmental level, responsibility for business and enterprise supports and tourism resides with my colleague Peter Burke, as Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. This includes responsibility for the National Tourism Policy Statement, A New Era for Irish Tourism, which was published in December 2025 and which sets out the Government’s long-term approach to the development of Irish tourism.
I can confirm that, as part of my Department's ongoing work developing the successor policy to Our Rural Future, my officials have been engaging with the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment in respect of its remit. This will include a focus on both rural tourism and rural enterprise generally. Work on the development of the policy is ongoing and has drawn on a wide ranging consultation process over recent months.
119. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the funding allocated to Cavan and Monaghan County Councils for lane improvements works under the local improvement scheme in each year 2020 to 2025 and the proposed allocations for 2026. [37794/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) provides for the upgrading of non-public rural roads and laneways that are typically not maintained by local authorities. It was reintroduced by my Department in 2017, and since then over €201 million has been allocated to local authorities for the LIS.
In February, I announced details of the 2026 scheme and a €17.55 million budget, an increase on base funding on recent years. Cavan County Council received an allocation of €527,400, while Monaghan County Council has been allocated €385,880. This funding announcement brings the total allocated to Cavan County Council since 2017 to over €8 million. Monaghan has been allocated over €6.9 million over the same period.
My officials will work closely with all local authorities in 2026 to ensure funding is fully utilised and that as many roads as possible are completed under the scheme. As was the case in 2025, where a supplementary round of funding allocations totalling €14m was made mid year, I will also monitor wider Departmental spend closely with a view to reallocating any savings which may emerge to schemes such as the LIS.
LIS funding allocated to Cavan and Monaghan County Councils from 2020 to 2025
|
County |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Cavan |
€269,254 |
€1,119,389 |
€1,273,457 |
€1,741,411 |
€690,084 |
€1,181,974 |
|
Monaghan |
€250,000 |
€1,326,223 |
€932,889 |
€1,342,724 |
€564,965 |
€961,776 |
120. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht in relation to the LEADER programme, the measures that have been funded for climate change mitigation and adaptation; the funding allocated to LEADER in budget 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37330/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe LEADER programme is co-financed by the European Commission under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and has been operating successfully in Ireland for 35 years.
It is a multi-annual programme, with overall programme allocations being linked to a programming period set at EU level, rather than an annual basis. The funding allocated in my department's annual budget reflects the current point in the programme period and expected expenditure by the Local Action Groups (LAGs).
The LEADER programme allocation for each sub-regional area is provided to LAGs at the outset of each programme to provide them with greater flexibility to manage their budgets over the programming period. Funding is then paid out by my Department as costs are incurred and claims for payment are submitted. The €180 million budget for the 2023-2027 LEADER programme will be made available by my Department as projects are completed over the programming period.
Funding is not targeted at any particular group or sector or activity. Rather, it is focused on a thematic approach to rural development under the headings of firstly, Economic Development and Job Creation, secondly, Rural Infrastructure and Social Inclusion, and thirdly, Sustainable Development of the Rural Environment and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation.
Under the third theme, for the 2023-2027 LEADER programme, I can inform the Deputy that currently 209 LEADER projects have been approved countrywide to date to receive LEADER funding valued at close to €7.2 million. This funding supports measures such as energy efficient projects, climate education training, and the circular economy projects. I expect the number of projects approvals to increase over the lifetime of the programme.
I am confident that the LEADER programme can continue to build on its long track record of bottom up led delivery in the coming years.
121. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the level of funding provided for the local improvement scheme in 2026; if further consideration will be given to the provision of additional funding in 2026 for this scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38301/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) provides for the upgrading of non-public rural roads and laneways that are typically not maintained by local authorities. It was reintroduced by my Department in 2017, and since then over €201 million has been allocated to local authorities under the scheme.
In February, I announced details of the 2026 scheme and a €17.55 million budget, an increase on base funding on recent years. Cavan County Council received an allocation of €527,400, while Monaghan County Council has been allocated €385,880. This funding announcement brings the total allocated to Cavan County Council since 2017 to over €8 million. Monaghan has been allocated over €6.9 million over the same period.
While the Department provides funding, local authorities administer the scheme and are responsible for the selection and prioritisation of roads. This includes handling applications, scheduling works, and maintaining waiting lists. Local authorities decide if they work from existing lists or open the scheme to new applications each year.
My officials will work closely with all local authorities in 2026 to ensure funding is fully utilised and that as many roads as possible are completed under the scheme. As was the case in 2025, where a supplementary round of funding allocations was made during the year, I will also monitor wider departmental spend closely with a view to reallocating any savings which may emerge to schemes such as the LIS.
122. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will provide an update on the work being carried out by his Department to ensure the viability of community centres and community and voluntary organisations in County Louth, through the provision of capital and non-capital funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38263/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department recognises the vital role played by community centres and community and voluntary organisations in supporting community development and social inclusion initiatives throughout County Louth, and across the country.
Through a range of capital and current funding programmes, my Department continues to support the sustainability and long-term viability of these organisations and facilities.
Under the Community Centre Investment Fund, significant support has been provided for the upgrade and refurbishment of community centres, including works relating to energy efficiency, accessibility, maintenance and essential improvements. Community and voluntary organisations in County Louth have benefited from funding under this scheme in recent years.
In addition, the Community Recognition Fund has supported community organisations and facilities in areas that have welcomed new arrivals to their communities. Funding has also been made available through programmes such as the Local Enhancement Programme, which provides small-scale grants to community and voluntary groups to assist with facility improvements and equipment purchases
My Department also supports the community and voluntary sector through the Community Services Programme (CSP), the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), CLÁR, LEADER, supports for Local Development Companies, and supports for Public Participation Networks, all of which contribute to strengthening community infrastructure and capacity in County Louth.
The administration of many of these schemes is carried out in partnership with Louth County Council and Local Community Development Committees to ensure supports are targeted at local priorities and community needs.
Details of the thousands of funding allocations my Department has provided each year, across the country, including County Louth, are available on my Department’s website, in tabular form at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-rural-and-community-development-and-the-gaeltacht/collections/funding-allocated-by-the-department/
124. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht when details of the next outdoor recreation investment scheme will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38300/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, or ORIS, is funded by my Department as part of the Rural Development Investment Programme.
It is an important contributor to “Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors”, our national outdoor recreation strategy. The scheme provides funding for the development and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as walking trails, cycleways, blue ways, mountain access routes and open water facilities at rivers, lakes and beaches.
Since the scheme was established, funding of over €154 million has been approved for more than 2,060 outdoor amenities across the country. These new and improved facilities are a vital outlet for both residents and tourists.
Applications under ORIS are administered, prioritised and submitted by local authorities, local development companies and state bodies to my Department for assessment.
I am currently working with my officials on finalising the next iteration of ORIS and I expect to announce details of the new scheme in the coming weeks.
126. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht when he will open the next phase of town centre first applications. [38217/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra127. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to provide an update on the Town Centre First policy; if he believes it is achieving its stated aims; the evidence he would point to suggest this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38221/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 127 together.
Launched in 2022, the Town Centre First (TCF) Policy is a major cross-government policy that aims to tackle vacancy, combat dereliction and breathe new life into our town centres.
Significant progress has been made since the launch of the Policy towards achieving its objectives. Important developments include the establishment of a dedicated National TCF Office within the Local Government Management Agency which drives the actions under the policy; the establishment of Town Teams nationwide and the appointment of 26 Town Regeneration Officers in local authorities, funded by my Department, who work as central drivers of TCF at a local level.
Dedicated funding of over €7 million has also been provided under a package of TCF supports. Included in this package of funding was support for the development of 52 TCF Town Plans nationally. These community-based plans are produced by individual Town Teams, which will help communities develop a vision for their town and identify viable projects to realise that vision. Funding has also been provided for the establishment and development of Town Teams nationwide and the Department has provided funds to allow towns prepare for major projects via a Project Development Measure.
Rather than being a funding stream in its own right, the significance of TCF is that it is a policy document providing an integrated policy approach for the development of Irish towns which is underpinned by funding streams across Government.
This includes a range of measures funded by my Department to support the revitalisation and regeneration of rural towns and villages including the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. Calls for Proposals are periodically issued to local authorities who can then submit proposals in line with priorities identified in TCF Plans. The 2026 Call for Proposals for the Building and Land Acquisition Measure under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme is currently open to applications with a closing date of 29 May 2026. A RRDF Call for Proposals is also currently open with a closing date for applications of July 29th.
The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, who holds joint responsibility for the policy, also implements a suite of schemes including the new Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund, the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant under the Croí Conaithe initiative, and THRIVE - the TCF Heritage Renewal Scheme.
It is clear from the experience of recent funding calls for proposals from my Department that the TCF approach is having an impact, resulting in higher quality applications based on clear local input with projects identified in TCF plans securing capital funding through the various available Departmental schemes.
My department remains committed to the success of the TCF policy and will continue to work closely with local authorities and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to work on the next phase of implementation, in order to deliver on our goal of revitalising rural towns and villages.
128. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to expand the town and village renewal scheme to support suburban Dublin villages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38003/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with commitments in Our Rural Future, my department supports a wide range of strategic capital investment schemes, ringfenced under the Rural Development Investment Programme, to transform rural towns and villages making them thriving places to live, work, and raise families. These schemes include for example, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, LEADER and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme was introduced in 2016 and is designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. Since the launch of the scheme, more than €210 million has been allocated to over 1,900 projects. Delivered in partnership with local authorities, it primarily targets funding at rural areas with populations of less than 10,000 people though towns with populations of up to 15,000 are eligible where the application is of high quality, cost-effective and would provide significant local benefits.
I am anxious to ensure that the design of schemes such as the Town and Village Renewal Scheme ensures that we are using available funding in the most efficient and effective manner. With this in mind, the terms and conditions of each scheme are reviewed before each call for proposals. It is my intention to launch the next iteration of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme later this year and in advance of the launch I will examine the approach to eligible towns, including suburban Dublin villages as referenced by the Deputy.
It is also of note that, under the umbrella of the Town Centre First policy, funding is also available to local authorities to support larger and more urban settlements. This includes the Thrive scheme and the Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund which is funded by the Department for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
129. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if consideration is being given to establishing a dedicated annual maintenance and operational support fund for volunteer-led rural community centres in recognition of the growing cost of maintaining community infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38265/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has a range of supports in place with regard to community centres.
The Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF), which was established in 2022, provides capital funding for the upgrade and refurbishment of existing community centres and the construction of new centres in urban and rural communities. The 2026 CCIF will focus on the improvement and refurbishment of existing community centres, and the online application portal will open on May 29th.
Community infrastructure is also supported through other schemes administered by my Department, including the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, CLÁR and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. In addition, the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) provides small-scale grants to community and voluntary groups to assist with facility improvements and equipment purchases, which can help groups to maintain and improve their facilities. The scheme is administered by each local authority on behalf of my Department and is an important support for many community groups. Such investment can help reduce costs, for example by improving energy efficiency of buildings or providing new more energy efficient equipment.
Ongoing operational supports are provided for some groups through the Community Services Programme, which supports community organisations and social enterprises delivering essential local services and managing community facilities. In addition, my Department provides current supports to Tidy Towns Groups and to Men’s Sheds. Finally, it should also be noted that the Community Employment Scheme, Rural Social Scheme, and Tús, which are operated by the Department of Social Protection, provide an important resource for many community centres and community facilities across the country. At present we do not have any plans to introduce additional funding supports for volunteer led rural community centres but we continue to review our schemes to ensure our available funding is put to best use.
130. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if consideration is being given to introducing a cost-escalation or inflation support mechanism for approved community projects under schemes such as the Community Centre Investment Fund and CLÁR where projects face significant increases in construction and material costs between approval and delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38264/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department implements a wide range of schemes that have supported thousands of individual capital projects throughout the country in recent years, including through CLÁR and the Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF).
I am acutely aware that cost pressures have created challenges for community groups seeking to complete approved projects within the original funding allocations. Many of the projects approved under the CLÁR programme or for refurbishment works under the most recent round of the Community Centre Investment Fund are smaller in nature and can be delivered in a relatively short time period.
This mitigates against some of the impact of inflation, yet it can still be a challenge for community groups to manage within the funding provided. While approved funding amounts cannot be increased for these projects, my Department works flexibly with groups delivering CLÁR and CCIF projects so that the scope of the project can be adjusted in the event that the costs have increased significantly.
In the case of CCIF new build community centres, which are larger in scale, my Department works with the lead body responsible for delivering the project to address challenges as they arise. These projects are allocated an 'approval in principle' amount of funding at approval stage. Each project subsequently goes through a series of approval decision gates before and after the tender process, with the level of funding only confirmed post tender. This ensures that the final approved funding amount reflects the full cost of delivery as confirmed through the public procurement process and takes account of any market changes in the period since the project was first approved.
131. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht his Department’s response to the findings and recommendations of the OECD Review of Rural Development in Ireland, published in February 2026; the specific actions being considered to address these recommendations in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38302/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe OECD was commissioned to undertake an independent review of the rural development policy structures in place in Ireland.
To inform its work, the OECD carried out an extensive information-gathering process, including a comprehensive questionnaire completed by a number of departments, a series of online engagements with sectoral and civil society stakeholders, and two mission visits to Limerick and Roscommon. More than 500 rural stakeholders and government officials participated throughout the process.
The Review was also informed by a team of policy experts from other OECD countries, who were directly involved in the process, including the mission visits to Ireland.
The Review was published in February of this year, and together with an extensive public and stakeholder consultation process, has played an important part in informing development of the new Our Rural Future policy.
The OECD acknowledges the substantial progress made in Ireland, both under Our Rural Future and more broadly since the establishment of my department. Ireland is recognised as unique among OECD countries for its whole-of-Government approach to rural development, and for the high level of awareness and visibility given to rural needs across departments.
The Review also provided a series of recommendations for consideration, notably on supporting rural enterprise, service delivery and improving our use of ‘rural intelligence’ and data.
These findings and recommendations have been taken into account in the policy development process.
The new policy will be based on five interconnected policy pillars, focusing on rural places, rural services, rural communities, the rural economy and the rural environment.
It will be supported by ambitious, clear and practical actions to deliver sustainable and balanced regional development, with thriving towns, villages and rural communities across the country.
I am confident that the new Our Rural Future policy will demonstrate this Government's continued support for rural Ireland.
132. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to provide an update on the development of a new RAPID (Revitalising Areas through Planning, Investment and Development) programme, which was allocated €5 million in capital funding in budget 2026; when it is likely that the programme will be launched; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38281/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current Programme for Government commits to the establishment of a new communities initiative, similar in style to the previous RAPID (Revitalising Areas by Planning, Investment and Development) programme, where all state agencies work together to implement community development and town-centre rejuvenation. Capital Funding of €5 million was announced in Budget 2026 for the introduction of the new programme.
My Department is currently examining the potential formulation of this programme. Considerations that will inform the development of the new programme will include, but are not limited to, the changed demographic and socio-economic landscape since the previous programme, potential geographical areas to be considered for targeted support and the levels of funding already available through other schemes in my Department.
It is expected that the new programme will launch in the coming weeks.
133. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to outline whether his Department intends to extend supports similar to the recent funding provided to men’s sheds to sister sheds groups; to indicate the way in which the Department assesses community demand and eligibility for such supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38371/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe emergence of Men’s Sheds, Women's Sheds and Sister Sheds has been a very positive development for communities across Ireland and I am fully committed to supporting them in the valuable work they do.
My Department has provided funding directly to the Irish Men’s Shed Association (IMSA) for the past number of years, which helps Men's Sheds with their operational and running costs. Earlier this month details of the Men's Sheds which benefited from the most recent allocation were announced.
As Women's Sheds and Sister Sheds do not operate under a national organisation, my Department is unable to distribute funding in a similar way to that provided to Men's Sheds through the IMSA. However, it should be noted that both my Department and the Department of Health jointly funded the provision of a facilitator to assist representatives of Women’s Sheds form a national body (Women’s Sheds of Ireland – WSOI). This work was completed recently. As part of this process Sister Sheds were also consulted, but they wished to remain independent from WSOI.
My colleague Minister Murnane O Connor secured €150,000 for Women's Sheds in her Department's Health and Wellbeing Budget 2026. The funding was assigned to the HSE, and recently officials from my Department and the Department of Health facilitated an introduction of the WSOI to officials in the HSE regarding the utilisation of this funding. My Department will continue to offer any support it can while this process continues.
Separately, my Department provides a range of supports which are available to individual Men's Sheds, Women's Sheds and Sister Sheds.
These supports include -
• The €7 million Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2026, the results of which I will be announcing in the coming weeks;
• The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme 2024 - 2028; and
• The LEADER programme.
I would encourage all Men’s Sheds, Women’s Sheds and Sister Sheds to check my Department’s website, and to engage with their Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), Local Development Companies and Public Participation Networks (PPN), to ensure they are aware of funding opportunities as they become available.
134. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will expand the CLÁR initiative to recognise the challenges faced by hospitality providers in CLÁR areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38297/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe CLAR programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas. I was pleased to launch the 2026 CLAR programme on 10th March this year with a record budget of €12 million.
Measure 1 of the 2026 programme will continue to support the development of community facilities and amenities and is currently open for applications from community groups via local authorities.
The CLAR programme is targeted at community and voluntary groups and does not provide funding to the hospitality sector. However, the investment in community amenities and facilities through CLÁR has the potential to drive local economic activity which may in turn benefit the hospitality sector. This is also true for investment in outdoor recreation facilities such as walking trails, cycleways and mountain access routes through my Department's Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme and for investment in town and village rejuvenation through the Town & Village Renewal Scheme and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.
In addition, the LEADER programme has supported projects related to tourist accommodation and the hospitality sector, for example, through support for glamping projects and other tourism focused initiatives.
135. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht whether his Department uses population growth, demographic need, deprivation, disability access, public transport access and existing amenity deficits when assessing applications under community and rural development funding schemes; whether any formal weighting is applied to large and growing towns that lack basic community amenities; and the way in which such criteria are applied across schemes including the town and village renewal scheme, CLÁR, LEADER and community centre funding. [38129/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department implements a wide range of schemes that have supported thousands of capital projects nationwide in recent years, including the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS), CLÁR, LEADER and the Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF).
Projects funded by my Department are generally delivered through a range of lead bodies, including local authorities and local development companies, who are responsible for the prioritisation of projects for submission to my department. This is based on their assessment of local need taking account of matters such as those raised by the Deputy including demographic need and levels of existing amenities. These bodies have on-the-ground knowledge and expertise in relation to local needs and priorities, and this approach thus works to ensure effective targeting of investment.
For schemes such as CLÁR and the TVRS, project applications are subject to further assessment by my department in line with the aims of the scheme. For example, the TVRS is designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. This scheme places particular emphasis on projects which support sustainable employment creation, town centre resilience and regeneration, enhancing our streetscapes, and bringing derelict and vacant buildings and sites back into use as multi-purpose community spaces.
In addition, for the CLÁR programme, the areas eligible to apply for funding are designated based on an assessment of population decline and, most recently, based on levels of deprivation and rurality.
For the 2023-2027 LEADER Programme, funding was allocated to each Local Action Group (LAG) area to provide them with greater flexibility in selecting and approving projects which will have a meaningful impact in their areas. When allocating funding to each LAG, a minimum allocation of €3 million was provided to each sub-regional area with the remaining funding distributed based on the population density of the area compared to the national average, and the deprivation index of the area.
Over the course of the programme, each LAG is responsible for selecting and approving projects for funding, based on the identified needs and priorities in their area, as set out in their Local Development Strategy.
Refurbishment projects under the Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) differ from these other schemes in that applications are submitted directly by community groups to my department for assessment and approval. The assessment criteria for the scheme, which is set out in the scheme outline, includes a consideration of need, demand and impact.
Details of these programmes can be found on my department's website.
136. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the supports available for capital development of men’s sheds projects around the country. [37830/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe emergence of Men’s Sheds has been a very positive development for communities across Ireland. They provide a safe, comfortable and inclusive environment where people of all ages can share skills, work on meaningful projects and connect with their communities. I am fully committed to supporting Men's Sheds in the valuable work they do.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to continue to fund Men's Sheds and my Department currently provides a range of supports which are available to individual Men's Sheds.
These supports include -
• The €7 million Local Enhancement Programme(LEP) 2026, the results of which I will be announcing in the coming weeks.
• The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme 2024 - 2028, which primarily funds current expenditure, however small-scale grants are available to assist Local Community Groups and Networks to purchase small capital items (laptops, phones etc.) that will improve and enhance the function of the group and its work.
• The LEADER programme, where funding is not targeted at any particular group or sector in rural communities but focused on a thematic approach to rural development. Prospective applications should in the first instance contact the LEADER Local Action Group in their area to discuss potential applications.
In addition to these schemes, earlier this month, I announced details of the Men’s Sheds who have benefitted from funding my Department provided directly to the Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA), this funding was for operational costs rather than capital.
I would encourage all Men’s Sheds to check my Department’s website, and to engage with their Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), Local Development Companies and Public Participation Networks (PPN), to ensure they are aware of funding opportunities as they become available.
